Internet Desk: Brazil legend Ronaldinho has praised Lionel Messi’s role in the development of Neymar at Barcelona. Ronaldinho was a senior figure in the Barca team when Messi broke through during the 2004-05 campaign and guided him as he made his first steps in the team. Messi, 29, has provided a similar service to Neymar, who is five years his junior, and Ronaldinho is happy to see them succeed.
The legend said, “Although I don’t know the relation they share, I would like to believe that Messi is playing a mentor’s role to Neymar. The affection that I had for Messi, I feel Messi has the same affection towards Neymar. Also it is important that an experienced player guides a youngster at a big club. I believe that is the reason why Neymar has adapted so well at Barcelona.”
Ronaldinho was magical with his skills through the first decade of the 2000s. Be it Brazil or Barcelona, the world invariably seemed to be at his feet when he was playing. He has come a long way from there, but the magic around him still hasn’t diminished.
On Messi’s shocking retirement from international football, Messi’s once a Barca mate said, “He is still the best. It doesn’t matter if he had not won any major trophies. There is some speculation that he may come out of retirement. But even if he doesn’t return, it is football’s loss, not his.”